Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 27474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Anya calls out, “good luck,” and a minute later, we rejoin the models, the short walk from the ladies’ room passing in an anxious blur. My anxiety climbs as they take turns on the catwalk, one by one, showing off my designs under the blinding lights.
Inciting oohs and aahs from the audience.
Making me more nervous with each step they take.
And then my moment arrives.
I give myself a pep talk before stepping onto the runway, strutting with terrified bravery amid flashing cameras and hot stage lights. The gown flows around my body, as smooth as butter, while high-energy music vibrates under my heels. Keeping time to the beat, exuding sass, I’m about halfway down the catwalk when I spot Sebastian and Tatum on the sidelines.
Their eyes are wide with shock. Sebastian gives me a full-fledged grin, and my heart flutters before I force my gaze straight ahead once more.
But another familiar face catches me off-guard, and I almost step out of sync. His tongue darts across his lip as he ogles the sway of my hips.
Axel Ivermann.
Ford’s competitive friend.
The man who wanted a piece of me at the illegal gambling party I accompanied Ford to last month. I’m confused by Axel’s presence until I remember the model he had on his lap as he tried to out-blackjack Ford.
I pause at the end of the runway, and that’s when he winks at me. Resisting the urge to drop my professional mask, I pivot and return backstage, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I’ve barely sunk into a chair when Sebastian materializes from the people milling about backstage.
He pulls me into his arms, Tatum not far on his heels.
“You didn’t tell me you were modeling.” Sebastian cups my cheeks, his body pressing against mine as if he can’t get close enough. “God, you were incredible out there.” He lands a kiss on my smiling lips before Tatum gives me a congratulatory hug.
“We had to improvise,” I explain, wringing my clammy hands. “One of the models got food poisoning.”
“Food poisoning, huh?” Axel appears out of nowhere, inserting himself into the conversation. “Damn, that sucks.” His intense gaze sweeps over my body. “But you’re sexy as hell in that gown, so I understand why your designs impressed everyone.”
My cheeks heat at his praise. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Axel leans toward me with a wink, confident in his tailored tuxedo and reeking of cigars and sandalwood.
Sebastian plants himself at my side. “You’re a friend of Ford’s, right?” One arm snakes around my waist as he nods at our interloper. “Alex, isn’t it?”
“Axel,” the other man corrects, his mouth creeping into an amused smile. “And you are?”
“The one who’s going to marry her.”
Axel laughs. “I bet you boys keep each other on your toes in that tower.” He winks at me again. “Though with such a gorgeous queen as the prize, I can see why.”
Tatum clears his throat, slicing through the tension. “What brings you to Los Angeles?”
“My girl is modeling for Alejandro Von Jean. In fact, there’s a party tonight in Hollywood Hills. You should come.” He waves at the three of us. “The influentials will be there. I’d be happy to introduce you to the important people.”
I hesitate, glancing at Tatum and Sebastian. “Should we go?”
Tatum tilts his head, seeming to consider it. “Sounds like an excellent networking opportunity.”
Running a hand over his tense jaw, Sebastian shakes his head. “It’s not a good idea.” He glances at Tatum. “You know what goes on at those parties. It’s inappropriate for someone like Novalee.”
I arch a brow. “Someone like me?”
Sebastian tucks a wavy lock behind my ear. “Someone innocent and naive and from not around here.”
“That’s why she has us.” Tatum flings an arm around my other shoulder, sandwiching me between him and Sebastian. “This will give her the chance to make important connections that might take her career to the next level.”
“I said no.” Sebastian glares at him.
“And I’m saying we’re going.”
Decision made, Tatum holds a hand out to Axel. “We’ll take you up on the invite.”
“Perfect.” Axel turns his flirty grin on me. “It’s going to be a night to remember.”
11
The party is in full swing when we step through the arched doors of a Spanish colonial estate in Hollywood Hills. The grounds are massive, boasting a courtyard, a labyrinth style garden, and an ivory fountain that welcomes guests at the main entrance. Life-sized portraits grace the smooth stucco walls.
Sebastian links his arm with mine, and we follow Tatum through the grand foyer, my heels tapping across the flawless terracotta floor. We make our way deeper into the mansion, and I take in an array of artifacts from all over the world—statues of mythological creatures, busts of royals and political leaders, rare art and jewels, and all of it protected by hired security.
And the guests...some of them show off designs more outlandish than what the models wore today at the fashion show.